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colds
5 truths
to know
How much do you know
about ne of the most common illnesses around?
Take this true-or-false quiz to test your know-how about colds.
true or False
Colds are caused by bacteria.
False
Colds are actually caused by viruses—in fact, more than 200 types of viruses
can cause those sniffling, sneezing, coughing symptoms. Because colds are not caused
by bacteria, taking antibiotics won’t help cure a cold. The only time you might need an
antibiotic is when a cold gives rise to complications, such as an ear or sinus infection.
true or False
Taking decongestants or antihistamines will help you get over a cold
more quickly.
False
Over-the-counter medicines can help you manage symptoms for the duration
of your illness. But that cold will last about one to two weeks, no matter what medicines
you take. It just has to run its course. Other ways to feel better in the meantime: Get
plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat or
use petroleum jelly to relieve a sore, raw nose.
true or False
Most colds occur in the fall
and winter months.
true
This may be because cold weather keeps
people indoors, which increases the chance that
you’ll come in contact with someone who has
a cold and who can spread the virus to you.
Humidity may play a role too—cold viruses
survive better in the drier winter months than
in more humid weather. Cold air may also dry
the inside of your nose, making you more sus-
ceptible to infection.
true or False
Washing your hands is one
of the most effective ways to keep colds from spreading.
true
Some cold-causing viruses can live up to three hours on the skin and on surfaces
such as doorknobs and stair rails. If you touch an infected surface and then touch your
nose or eyes, the virus can enter your body and increase your risk of coming down
with a cold. You can lower that risk by frequently washing your hands with soap and
water, which helps stop the spread of viruses.
true or False
Taking large doses of vitamin C can keep you from catching a cold.
False
Numerous studies have failed to show that vitamin C will prevent colds. At
best it may shorten a cold or lessen the severity of symptoms, though that effect has
not been clearly proven either. Talk to your doctor before taking or giving high doses
of vitamin C. Too much of this vitamin can cause problems, such as diarrhea, which
can be a health threat to children and older adults.
Sources: American Lung Association; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
4
FAMILY MEDICINE - 793-9780
Craig Talbot, MD
Kevin Smith, MD
Jodi O’Shea, PA-C
Eric Aronsohn, PA-C
GENERAL SURGERY - 793-9785
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David Murray, MD
Randolph Edwards, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE - 793-978
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Tamera Nolan, ARNP
FloraOgden,ARNP,CNM
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AMARITAN
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OSPITAL
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IONEER
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EDICAL
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ENTER
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S
E
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Chief Moses
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THE SAMARITAN
is published as a
community service for the
friends and patrons of
SAMARITAN HEALTHCARE,
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telephone 509-765-5606,
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.
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Community Relations
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Information in
THE SAMARITAN comes
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Copyright © 2012
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S u m m e r 2 0 1 2
Th e
4
FAMILY MEDICINE - 793-9780
Craig Talbot, MD
Kevin Smith, MD
Jodi O’Shea, PA-C
Eric Aronsohn, PA-C
GENERAL SURGERY - 793-9785
James Irwin, MD
David urray, MD
Randolph Ed ards, D
INTERNAL E I I E - 793-978
Conrado DeLeon, MD
OB/GYN- 793-9786
Anne Coury, MD
Tamera Nolan, ARNP
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE - 793-9788
George Monlux, MD
PODIATRY - 793-9783
Daren Vernon, DPM
URGENT CARE - 793-9790
John Loudon, PA-C
Bob Mikiska, PA-C
S
A ARITAN
C
LINIC
i eer Medical Center
1550 S. Pioneer Way
oses Lake, WA
lit r Close to Home
Wheeler Rd.
Col nial Drive
Pioneer Way
S
AMARITAN
H
OSPITAL
P
IONEER
M
EDICAL
C
ENTER
Nelson Road
90
N
S
E
W
Chief Moses
Middle School
Garden Heights
Elementary
T
O
S
POKANE
T
O
S
EATTLE
17
amaritan
C
lini
w w w
.
s a m a r i t a n h e a l t h c a r e
.
c o m
Samaritan Urgent Care
is open every day from
9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
No appointment is
needed. We’re in the
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